I have a new to me 2005 Victory Vegas with 11,600 miles on it and i have a question about the evaporative canister which i guess is only only on California models. I did a search on here but couldnt find the answer i was looking for so here it goes:

What does it do?

and

Can you remove it without affecting the bikes performance? i.e. will it run different without it cause its tuned differently for California?

An evaporative canister is part of the evaporative system that is within the emission system. Hydrocarbons are a form of pollution that gasoline releases as it evaporates or after is is burned. While fuel is stored inside the tank, fumes build up and are retained inside this canister. The canister contains charcoal that absorbs the hydrocarbons. When the engine is started, a valve opens that allows fresh air to come in and purge the fumes (hydrocarbons) into the air intake and then into the combustion chamber for burning. I understand that more hydrocarbons are released into the atmosphere by leaving your fuel cap off, than what comes out of your tailpipe while the engine runs. If there is a leak anywhere in the evaporative system, such as a bad hose, canister leak or leaving the fuel cap loose, the check engine light will set. This being said the ECU would have to be reprogrammed I am guessing. You have a California model bike. If you have emissions check to get plates removing this will not let you pass.

The emmission equment must be present when bike is sold new. At this present time no testing is required for licensing on motorcycles. But if you take your bike to a shop for a tune up you may have a problem getting them to work on your bike. They can get in trouble by the state if bike doesn't have all equment. If you remove it keep it on hand there may be a time where you may need to put it back on.

Can you remove it without affecting the bikes performance? i.e. will it run different without it cause its tuned differently for California?

Yes, you can remove it. Removed mine when the bike was brand new. It's not a performance part so it won't reduce your performance. It will reduce the bike's weight (by very little) and at least in theory it will increase performance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riding: 2011 Cross Roads & 2016 Springfield---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the Victory Forums - Victory Motorcycle Forum forums, you must first register.
Please enter your desired user name, your email address and other required details in the form below.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.